Development of new natural polymer-based wood adhesives I: dry bond strength and water resistance of konjac glucomannan, chitosan, and their composites

Abstract

Bonding properties of konjac glucomannan (KGM), chitosan, and their composites were investigated. After preparing three-ply plywood glued with these materials, the dry bond strength and the bond strength after water immersion treatment were measured. The bond strength of urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive, casein, and soybean glues was also studied for comparison. KGM developed relatively good dry bond strength in extremely small solid amounts, irrespective of alkaline treatment. However, the water resistance was extremely low for all of the conditions. Chitosan also developed good dry bond strength in small solid amounts and was better than conventional adhesives. Chitosan also exhibited excellent water resistance compared to casein and soybean glues. When KGM and chitosan were combined, the adhesiveness under the dry condition was enhanced, and the bonding properties were superior to those of casein and soybean glues. Therefore, it is expected that chitosan and chitosan–KGM composite can be used as environmentally friendly wood adhesives.